This is an entry level position within a County substance abuse treatment program.

Work involves screening, assessment, and intervention with program participants and families or other care givers. Work also involves related responsibilities. Depending upon area of assignment, this may include maintaining program participant records, conducting evaluations, conducting individual and group counseling, conducting orientation and educational groups, and/or meeting with community groups to inform them of treatment programs and services. Employees in this class apply a good understanding of the dynamics and problems of substance abuse and/or addiction treatment and exercise good judgment, establish rapport, and demonstrate skill in their interaction and communication with program participants, their families and other care givers, and colleagues. Work is reviewed through general and clinical supervision as well as evaluation of work results.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Attends staff meetings and trainings as assigned.

Conducts activities and monitors the environment of care to maximize participant and staff safety.

Coordinates treatment with other community, governmental, and service providers.

Counsels program participants, their families or other care givers, and groups concerning addiction, co-occuring disorders, and/or health issues, and recovery.

Develops treatment plans with program participants and/or their family members.

May assist in monitoring program participants and visitors.

May assist in the management of program participant treatment.

May assist in the training of subordinate personnel.

May conduct admission processing including admission and risk screenings and notifying a clinical superior of results.

May conduct home and community visits.

May conduct screening and assesses the needs of at-risk program participants. May conduct psycho-social assessments.

May conduct substance abuse and/or addiction awareness and educational programs for local community groups such as faith based agencies, schools, and business organizations.

May monitor specimen collection and collect urine and breathalyzer specimens.

May provide outreach and community education, networking with other governmental and service providers for resource acquisition, program participant advocacy and linkage to appropriate services.

Ability to learn and comply with Division and County policy and procedures.

Ability to maintain program participant records in accordance with Division’s documentation policy and procedures.

Ability to multi-task.

Ability to prepare narrative and statistical reports using computer-based applications.

Ability to react calmly and quickly in an emergency situation.

Ability to relate goals and methods of addiction or substance abuse treatment to community groups and agencies.

Ability to use basic office computer software and to learn and use the electronic client database system used by the agency.

Ability to work effectively on a multi-disciplinary team.

Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of BrowardCounty's Ethics and Conflict of Interest policies.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or political affiliation.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in psychology, social work, counseling, or other field closely related to this assignment; six (6) months of professional experience in a substance abuse counseling environment; or any equivalent combination of relevant training and experience.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Must obtain certification as a Certified Associate Addictions Professional or Certified Addictions Professional within two years of employment.

May be required to possess a valid Florida driver’s license and to be able to drive to obtain and maintain authority to drive on County business, as required for the area of assignment.